Talks of Encouragement

I am happy to post again. I have wondered what and how you all are doing. I am slowly gaining more confidence to talk in this public forum again. It is nothing anyone said. I have Schizophrenia. This is a severe mental illness. I get very frighted during unpredictable times through out the months, years...I just live and try to survive the best way I can. Roll with it, right.

Important point is I haven't had to smoke over it. The longer I stay quit, the easier it gets. I don't think of them. It just rarely occurs to me. I usually am having a hard time breathing at that time. A friend here told me he did as well, Brianairb2.

I am so happy I made it through the toughest part with all of you behind me. I seriously thank my Daughter as well. All those talks of encouragement, any time of the day or night. She is an amazing young lady. So proud of her and my Son is just amazing as well. They and my Mom are so proud of me. Most important, I am proud of me. I know most of the time when I thought I just couldn't make it without a cigarette, I would think of how long I have gone. Although I was frightened about what would happen if I didn't smoke, I believed in myself. I've made it this far, I can just breathe through it. Whatever works for you to maintain your quit is great, do that.

Ex is the best place you can be when your preparing to quit all the way through the process there are people to help you along. You will hopefully connect with friendships. Great job to all the friends I have made here. Great job to everyone that is here.

I cannot tell you how happy I am that you are here, how happy I am that you are doing SO WELL. I remember you saying that smoking is a matter of Life and Breath and I so loved that. I have to go back through your blogs because there was something else you said that seriously blew me away. You are the BEST, Cathy.

Wow Cathy, that number looks so good on you!! It feels so good to see you post back on here and to hear that you're so actively and gently taking care of yourself. You're always welcome here, and of course you can always count on my support.

What a beautifully busy holiday season we just finished, but we shall catch up soon! In the meantime, I look forward to seeing that number increase, and reading more about your journey. I can't tell you enough how happy I am for you.

You're doing just great Cathy. With extra kudos in accomplishing this even with your Schizophrenia. It's tough enough without the added burden of something like that. You definitely are able to "roll with it!" Happiest of 129 smoke-free days. Keep believing in yourself. We sure do!

Congratulations, Cathy. It's so great to hear that with the love and support of your family and people here you've been able to stay smoke free for 129 (now 130) days! I can only imagine how happy your doctors are with you!

Quitting smoking is such a private battle, add to that the challenge of staying in the moment with schizophrenia...... You have a lot to be proud of, and we are all so very proud of you, too.